Comprehensive Guide to Nitrofurantoin: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects for UTI Treatment
Doctor explains nitrofurantoin: a commonly prescribed antibiotic for treating and preventing UTIs. Learn how it works, who can take it, dosage guidelines, and potential side effects. Essential info for safe use.
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Topic Breakdown
In this video, we delve into the essential details you need to know about a medication called nitrofurantoin. This is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used both to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis. Nitrofurantoin is also known by its brand names Aritowin, Furidantin, Macrobid, and Macrodantin. This post will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how it works, who can and cannot take it, important dosage information, and potential side effects. It's important to note that this information is intended for educational purposes and is not clinical advice. Always consult your doctor for any medical concerns.
First, let's discuss how nitrofurantoin works. As mentioned earlier, nitrofurantoin is used to treat and prevent UTIs, commonly referred to as water infections. When you take nitrofurantoin, your body quickly filters it out of your bloodstream and into your urine. This is particularly useful if you have a UTI because it means the medication is concentrated at the site of the infection, such as the kidneys, ureters, or bladder. Nitrofurantoin kills bacteria by entering their cells and damaging their genetic material.
Now, who can and cannot take nitrofurantoin? Most adults, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, can take this medication. It is also suitable for most children. However, like all medications, nitrofurantoin is not suitable for everyone. To ensure it is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to nitrofurantoin or any other medicine, have porphyria (a rare blood disorder), G6PD deficiency (a rare condition affecting red blood cells), severe kidney disease, diabetes, any condition causing severe weakness or anemia, or a vitamin B deficiency.
Regarding dosage, always follow your doctor or pharmacist's advice and the instructions that come with your medication. The dose of nitrofurantoin you take will depend on whether it is used to treat or prevent a UTI, your age, and the severity of the infection. Nitrofurantoin tablets and capsules come in 50 mg or 100 mg strengths, with the slow-release capsules being 100 mg. It also comes in liquid form, with 25 mg in 5 ml.
The usual dose to treat a UTI is either 100 mg taken as slow-release capsules twice a day or 50 mg taken as standard tablets or capsules four times a day. Severe infections might require a higher dose of 100 mg taken four times a day. To prevent a UTI, the dose is typically lower, usually 50 mg to 100 mg taken as standard tablets or capsules once a day at night. Doses are usually lower for children, and your child's doctor will determine the correct dose based on their weight or age.
Since nitrofurantoin is often taken multiple times a day, try to space your doses evenly throughout the day. For example, if you take it twice a day, leave 12 hours between each dose. This might mean taking it at 8 AM and 8 PM. If you take it four times a day, it will usually be first thing in the morning, at midday, late in the afternoon, and again at bedtime. It's crucial to complete the full course of medication, even if you start feeling better, to prevent the infection from returning.
When taking nitrofurantoin tablets or capsules, swallow them whole with a drink of water—do not chew or break them. For those who find it difficult to swallow tablets, nitrofurantoin also comes in a liquid form. The liquid medication will come with a syringe or spoon to help you measure the right amount. If you don't have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one—don't use a kitchen teaspoon as it won't measure the right amount. It's also advisable to take nitrofurantoin with or after a meal or snack to help your body absorb the medication and prevent stomach upset.
In terms of duration, you should always follow the instructions given to you. Typically, if you are taking nitrofurantoin to treat a UTI, you will need to take it for three to seven days. To prevent UTIs from recurring, you might need to take it for several months. If you are taking it to prevent an infection during surgery, you will usually need to take it on the day of the operation and for the next three days.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at the same time or an extra dose to make up for a missed one. Setting an alarm may help you remember to take your medication, and you can ask your pharmacist for additional tips.
Like all medications, nitrofurantoin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, or feeling sleepy. These side effects usually resolve on their own, but if they persist, consult your doctor. Nitrofurantoin may also cause your urine to turn dark yellow or brown, which is normal and not a reason to stop taking the medication. Your urine will return to its usual color once you stop taking nitrofurantoin. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids, like water.
Serious side effects are rare, occurring in less than one in a thousand people. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately: a cough or high temperature (signs of lung problems), pale stool or dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (signs of liver or gallbladder problems), unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, high temperature, feeling tired or generally unwell (signs of a blood problem), or severe headaches. These are not all the potentially serious side effects, so always read the leaflet information inside the medication packet before taking it.
In rare cases, nitrofurantoin can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. For more information on using nitrofurantoin during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or its effects on fertility, please refer to the NHS website link in the description box.
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